For starters, Newark isn’t actually in New York City; it’s in New Jersey. However, it’s close enough that it’s not that bad to fly into, especially if you’re staying in the lower half of Manhattan. Whether you are flying into Newark Airport or looking for a ride into Manhattan, there are a few options for transportation. These are probably the most affordable and convenient ways to travel to Manhattan from Newark Airport. You can either take a taxi, or train, go on an express bus, or hire a private car service. All of these options are easily accessible and have affordable prices.
Air Train
A good choice concerning speed and cost of transit is taking the Air Train right to the NJ Transit train. Its travel time is much more predictable, and if only one or two of you are, you’ll save on the fare. Also, remember that NJ Transit and the express buses are not open 24 hours. They stopped operating at Times Square. It will start at 1 am and resume at 5 am, but honestly, during these hours, I recommend taking a cab anyway. There shouldn’t be much traffic during rush hour.
Also, remember that there are no reservations for the express bus, so you are at its mercy for the amount of space for the number of people waiting to board.
Express Bus
The Newark Airport Express bus is another great option. This shared shuttle bus picks up and drops off passengers at locations around the airport. Taking the shuttle bus is a convenient alternative if you have many bags to transport. The advantage of the express bus is that you don’t have to deal with transfers, and you can purchase your ticket ahead of time online.
An express bus is one way to reach Newark Airport from Manhattan. They run approximately after every 20 minutes and almost 24 hours a day. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no way to reserve a seat on an express bus. You may also be delayed due to traffic, so you might want to consider going with the plan B.
Taxi
If you need to rush to Manhattan, you have two options: either hail a taxi or rent a car. A taxi offers flexibility, but is also expensive. Getting from Newark Airport to Manhattan by taxi is a convenient and affordable way to get downtown. There are taxi stands at each terminal, and you can find one in the right place by following the signs. Getting from the airport to Manhattan usually costs around $50–$70.
It is best to arrive at the airport at least 2 or 3 hours before your flight. It’s also important to remember that you may need to go through the Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel during rush hours.
Uber
If you’re travelling in a group, booking your transfer in advance may be best to avoid waiting in line. Taxis can be costly, especially when travelling with a large group. Uber offers excellent options for larger groups and is much more convenient. Uber also offers fixed and reasonable pricing. You can book a ride in advance, so you don’t have to wait until the last minute. Even if you have luggage, this will be the most accessible and convenient option because you don’t have to worry about that. You get in with your stuff and will get chauffeured from Point A to Point B.
Jersey Local
Suppose you are travelling on a tight budget and want to save some cash for later. Then, the local Jersey bus service will be your most affordable option. The only downside is that the Jersey local is a city bus, so large luggage will be a tight fit, but once on the path, you will have several options for stations to get off of in Manhattan. The bus and the routes are available 24 hours a day, although late at night, both might only arrive every half hour, so your travel time will take a bit longer.
So, if you’re coming in at 2 or 3 in the morning, you might want to resort to a private car ride, which will be a faster and safer bet late at night.
Limo Service
“Travelling with class and comfort” is just about everybody’s dream. I’ll bet after enduring a long flight. Nothing would be more relaxing than the leather seat of a limousine. If you’re looking for a limo service, you can book it from a private company. But always remember to choose a limo company with a large inventory fleets and good customer feedback so you can travel in style and without worry. No doubt it will cost you a few more dollars, but its lavish ride and comfort will be worth paying for.
